Review: ‘Billy The Kid’s Old Timey Oddities And The Orm Of Loch Ness’ #2

The latest issue of Billy The Kid’s Old Timey Oddities finds the gang as the encounter an unexpected resident of Loch Ness – Dracula. Yes, that Dracula. In keeping with the series, the content here is decidedly ludicrous and the issue has a pretty quick pace. There’s no subtext or commentary to speak of, and none of the characters are terribly fleshed out, but that’s alright. This is “Billy The Kid”, people! You’re here for action and excitement. And you’ll get at least one of those in this issue.
WRITTEN BY: Eric Powell with Tracy Marsh
ART BY: Kyle Hotz
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE DATE: October 17th, 2012

After being surrounded by a crazy priest and suspicious townsfolk, Billy & co. make their way to a castle overlooking the Loch. A castle owned by Dracula. Our heroes seem completely unaware who their benevolent host is – it’s the 19th century, I suppose, so it makes sense – and decide to accept his offer to stay the night as they pursue their friend Callahan, who has been kidnapped by an aquatic monstrosity. And, naturally, is in Dracula’s basement. While all of this is happening, they’re also being tailed by an adversary with claws for hands, and a penchant for killing children because he’s evil, and that’s what evil people do.

“Billy The Kid” is about as simple a book. Most of its characters are two-dimensional, and the plot is completely straight forward. That said, it’s fun and it has a whimsical sense of humor that shows Powell isn’t taking himself too seriously. Billy’s reaction when he meets the brides of Dracula is easily the best panel in the issue.

Kyle Hotz work is, once again, entirely appropriate for the content. It’s over the top, grotesque and morbid, and fits the theme of oddities and freaks that this series fully embraces. In particular, Hotz comes through in a number of specific panels – especially when Dracula interacts with Isadora.

“Billy The Kid” comes through with an entertaining issue, filled with grotesque imagery and lighthearted fun. If you’ve liked what you’ve seen so far from the series, this issue will undoubtedly please you.